LET US SAY GRACE

With its mission of providing upscale food and service in a casual atmosphere, Grace is a one-of-a-kind experience happening now in Downtown Mobile. With its gourmet menu, hand crafted cocktails, and of course, the unbeatable view from the rooftop bar, it’s a must on you to-dine list. They can’t wait to say “grace” with you.

 By Caroline Edmondson Photos Layla Lambert

 What once was a decrepit abandoned building is now home to Downtown Mobile’s newest restaurant and bar, Grace, the ultra chic brainchild of owners Noell Broughton and David Shipman who spent years working diligently behind the scenes to bring their creative vision to life. Wendell Quimby, who was waiting for that “just right” business venture to walk through the door, first purchased the building where Grace now sits years ago, and he found that perfect venture in the ever creative Noell and David. “The moment I walked into the building I knew what was possible,” recalls Noell. “The eye beams in tact were perfect to sustain a rooftop bar. It took two years of getting the right permitting in place before I could say go, but once that happened we hit the ground running.”

 The concept and theme of Grace gives a nod to the Catholic Social Services that once called the space home for decades. Now, Heaven and Hell, light and dark, meet in the middle to create an atmosphere mixed with heavenly food and sinfully handcrafted cocktails. When you first enter, you’re greeted with an open floor plan dining room, complete with curated elements such as custom whiskey barrel lighting. The large windows fully swing open onto the street helping marry the inside and outside into a perfect blend of peaceful cacophony.  A gorgeous red mahogany bar top, booths and table seating gives a subtle nod to Grace’s theme and the man downstairs. “Using red elements throughout was very important to creating the desired look and feel of Grace. We even have our red halo logo featured floating on the top of some of our craft cocktails,” says Noell. “The logo was originally just a halo but my wife, Elizabeth, came up with the idea of adding horns to it just before it was finalized. It was the perfect touch and helped visualize the concept.”

 But perhaps the best part of all is that Grace boasts Downtown Mobile’s first rooftop bar, offering the same heavenly food and devilish cocktails, but with a side of sweeping views. With its large couch seating, whiskey barrel tables, full bar, outdoor televisions, fire tables, and of course, the best sunset view in town, there’s no surprise Grace’s rooftop has quickly become the hottest hangout in town.

 Though many patrons have come for the promised rooftop view, they’ve come back time and again for the food. The talented Chef Mark Strickland, who has been great friends with Noell since the fifth grade, has dreamed up the perfect gourmet menu.  Chef Mark boasts a career that started here in Mobile but then took him to Aspen, CO where he worked for two James Beard Award Winning Chefs. In 2002 Noell offered Mark an opportunity to come back to Mobile and help him open Cafe 615, and the rest is history. Since then these two have been dominating the local culinary scene and are excited to offer this “Gourmet Goes Casual” concept now in Downtown Mobile. Their belief is that you shouldn't have to be dressed formally to enjoy upscale food. On the menu you can find dishes like Veal and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Lamb Shank Osso Bucco, and Crawfish Mac & Cheese to name a few. Consider our mouths watering!

 Though they’ve only been up for a short while, Grace has already taken the Downtown scene by storm. Currently open for dinner and lunch, they’re assiduously working on perfecting a brunch like no other. Soon, they will also be offering live music and other fun elements—there’s much to come for Grace! “We want you to feel wowed yet comfortable. Grace is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for Downtown Mobile. We don't put on airs, but our food and drinks would have you thinking otherwise,” boasts Noell.

 When asked how it feels to see such tremendous growth in Downtown Mobile, Noell says, “For 27 years we have been a part of Downtown Mobile and helping it grow. As always, I love to see the city I call home expand and being an integral part of that for almost three decades keeps me smiling and motivated every day. We feel like Grace is just another incredible addition to the positive growth in downtown Mobile and we look forward to watching and contributing to the future growth of our hometown.” And to that, we say, “Amen!”

GRACE on Dauphin | 555 Dauphin Street | Mobile, AL 36602 | 251.380.6947